Whales may be resurfacing

Liliana Nieto del Rio for The Los Angeles Times

Juan Pablo Torres, a marine biologist from Chiles Blue Whale Center, studies the whales migratory patterns and tries to assess potential threats, such as pollution. Blue whales congregate in the Gulf of Corcovado during the Southern Hemisphere's summer and fall.

Juan Pablo Torres, a marine biologist from Chiles Blue Whale Center, studies the whales migratory patterns and tries to assess potential threats, such as pollution. Blue whales congregate in the Gulf of Corcovado during the Southern Hemisphere's summer and fall. (Liliana Nieto del Rio for The Los Angeles Times)

A humpback whale shows its tail in the Strait of Magellan, where biologists have identified a group of about 100 to 150 seasonally resident animals. Conservationists say it's too early to celebrate a comeback by whales; they could be remnants of older populations.

A humpback whale shows its tail in the Strait of Magellan, where biologists have identified a group of about 100 to 150 seasonally resident animals. Conservationists say it's too early to celebrate a comeback by whales; they could be remnants of older populations. (Liliana Nieto del Rio for The Los Angeles Times)